An unusual pattern of limb morphology in the Tithonian marine turtle Neusticemys neuquina from the Vaca Muerta Formation, Neuque´n Basin, Argentina

DE LA FUENTE, M.S. AND FERNÁNDEZ, M.S.

LETHAIA

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Año: 2011 p. 15 - 25

0024-1164

Here, we report an unusual pattern in the manus and pes morphology of the Tithonianmarine turtle Neusticemys neuquina. We analyse the forelimbs of two previously knownspecimens and describe the hind limbs of two previously undescribed specimens. Neusticemysneuquina is characterized by a relative elongation of both the forelimb and hindlimb, compared with stem Chelonoidea, as well as an elongation of the pedal digit V,achieved through the elongation of the bones, as well as a moderate hyperphalangy. Theelongation of pedal digit V is the most striking feature of N. neuquina, a featureunknown in other turtles.